Trichobezoar is an intraluminal mass seen in gastrointestinal tracts containing ingested hair. Human hair, especially long female hair, is resistant to digestion as well as peristalsis. So it tends to stay in the stomach and over a period of time form a larger ‘hair ball’. The trichobezoar may extend up to the pylorus, duodenum or even jejunum. A part may break off into the small bowel and cause small bowel obstruction.

If not identified in time, the trichobezoar can cause gastric or duodenal mucosal erosion, ulceration, obstruction and sometimes small bowel perforation.

The treatment usually involves endoscopic removal of the trichobezoar. Rarely, laparoscopy or laparotomy may be needed.